‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright. Except when you’re feeling sad, lonely and perhaps grieving.

Retired United Methodist pastor and current spiritual director Cindy Serio discusses why Christmas can be a challenging season for some folks and shares a guided meditation that acknowledges that you might feel blue at this time of the year while offering encouragement for finding hope, even on the longest night.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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From playing at Willie Nelson’s Picnic to viral videos, Jaron Bell shares how  his love for music and comedy turned into a calling the country-singer-turned-pastor never expected.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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It’s our 200th episode! Thank you for joining us as the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, Dr. Ashley Boggan and Rev. Matt Rawle take a look at the profound change The United Methodist Church has experienced during the past four years and share honest reflections on what these shifts mean for how United Methodists live into transformation with love, joy and courage.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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The Bible has often been misused to wound and exclude, with distorted interpretations justifying harm. Drawing on his own experiences of being rejected by faith communities, Pastor Zach Lambert wrote “Better ways to read the Bible: Transforming a weapon of harm into a tool of healing” to share how to reframe Scripture as a source of restoration and hope and how to read the Bible through a lens of healing, inclusion, and love.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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Preserving the stories of Black Methodists isn’t just history work for Carol Travis, it’s a calling. Discover how this cradle Methodist and leader with the African American Methodist Heritage Center ensures generations of vital stories are never forgotten.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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The first bishop ordained in a central conference and later elected to serve in the United States, Bishop Carlo Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry. A dedicated runner and ultra-marathoner, he reflects on discerning his call within a covenant community and the vital role of connection in guiding the church forward on this special “Meet a Bishop” episode of “Get Your Spirit in Shape.”

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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In a world that can be challenging and ever-changing, Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote shares how his new book, “Transformed by Grace,” and the wisdom of John and Charles Wesley can inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously in our lives and churches.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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Many United Methodists have memories of summer camp being full of fun and friendships. But it’s also a place where faith comes alive through powerful worship and real spiritual growth. Discover how these sacred camp moments are impacting young people long after summer ends and how you and your local church can be part of the story.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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John Wesley grew the Methodist movement by following a simple format that incorporated field preaching, small accountability groups, empowering leaders and serving his community. In “Calling on Fire: Reclaiming the Method of Methodism,” co-author Rev. Dr. Chris Heckert challenges United Methodists to reclaim Wesley’s practices that empowered everyday disciples—not just clergy—to lead, serve, and grow vibrant communities of faith.”

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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Dialogue across difference isn’t a modern invention—it’s biblical. Old Testament scholar William P. Brown discusses how Scripture embraces diverse perspectives from the first verses of Genesis through the Book of Revelation to offer a model for connection in today’s divided world.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

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